RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - The government of Bangladesh is trying to obtain royal clemency from Saudi Arabia leaders for eight Bangladeshi workers facing death sentences.

In an attempt to save the workers, who were linked to a highly publicized homicide, the Bangladeshi government has instructed its embassy officials in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh to investigate the matter, Saudi Arabia's Arab News said Sunday.

"The Bangladesh Embassy is exerting all efforts to find out more details about the case," embassy spokesman S.M. Haroon-ur Rashid said Saturday.

The death sentences were imposed for a clash last year between the Bangladeshi workers and a group of men who allegedly were stealing electric wire in Riyadh. The confrontation led to the death of an Egyptian national.

Haroon-ur Rashid told the Arab News he was confident a compromise could be reached that would save the men's lives.

"We see Saudi Arabia as one of our closest friends and ally and I am sure if there are any problems, they can be amicably resolved," the embassy spokesman said.